Colorado State apologizes for offensive chant directed at Utah State's Max Shulga


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LOGAN — Colorado State has apologized for an offensive chant that was directed at Utah State junior guard Max Shulga during a Mountain West basketball game on Saturday night in Fort Collins.

Shulga, native of Kyiv, Ukraine, was attempting free throws near the end of the Aggies' 88-79 win over the Rams, when a handful of fans inside Moby Arena began chanting the word "Russia" — a direct reference to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

"Following tonight's basketball game, we became aware that a small group of individuals in our student section chanted "Russia" at a student-athlete from Utah State, who is from the Ukraine," Colorado State said.

"On behalf of Colorado State, we apologize to the student-athlete and Utah State. This is a violation of our steadfast belief in the Mountain West sportsmanship policy and university principles of community."

Scott Garrard, the radio voice of Utah State Athletics, was inside the arena and first reported the offensive chant.

"Ugly situation in Fort Collins," Garrard said via Twitter. "Colorado State student section chanted 'Russia...Russia' at Max Shulga while he was shooting late free throws."

The alleged chant was also picked up on the CBS Sports Network telecast:

Following the game, Utah State reported the incident to the conference.

On Sunday afternoon, Shulga thanked the Colorado State administration and the coaching staff in a statement for their "immediate support and understanding."

"This has been an extremely difficult and challenging year with my family and loved ones so far away and living in constant danger," he said. "I pray daily for the conflict to come to a close and for peace be restored for my people in Ukraine."

He said that while the chants were "extremely upsetting in the moment," he understands that "emotions can run high during competition and people can do and say things they do not really mean." Shulga added that he accepts the apology from the university and its fans, and "appreciate the apology."

"I hope you will all join me in praying for peace in Ukraine," he added.

Shulga, a starter for the Aggies, honored his home nation last season in a February game against Colorado State by draping a Ukrainian flag around himself prior the game and wearing blue and yellow shoe laces. The Utah State student section also showed their support for the guard by making a Ukraine flag in the crowd.

Shulga has shined for the 19-5 Aggies this year and has averaged 11.4 points and 4.0 assists per game. Utah State faces San Diego State at home on Wednesday.

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